Ominous Flame

Chapter 11

Author Notes: Man these chapters are flying by...good thing I have a crap ton of them in stock lol. Hope you guys are enjoying the series so far. Though I don't always address it in the beginning author notes I always get excited seeing what people like about my stories.

It's always fun to chat with people and just go over head canons. In general I'm grateful for the people reading, especially since I really like writing this story. Oh...rambling, bad Mako. Well let's get this chapter going shall we ladies and gents? I do not own Digimon.

3rd P.O.V

"Hold still you big baby!" It was another day and slowly but surely, the group was warming up to their newest addition. "Ow! This feels like you're doing more damage than helping!" The pyro wielder clucked his tongue as he once more had to stop in bandaging Koji's injuries. "Then stop moving sheesh."

Takuya was loud, energetic and had no problems being in someone's personal space, whether they liked it or not. Though there were plenty of moments, the first night he was officially introduced especially, where there was a sad gleam in his eyes, or his expression serious.

He was an enigma. Someone none of them could truly understand or predict. "I must say I am quite impressed with your knowledge of first aid Takuya. Where did you learn?" Not even Tommy who confessed that he had known him ever since Dream Forest could figure out how he ticked.

"Back home I used to be on the soccer team. We had a coach that used to be part of the EMT, so he gave us a crash course on the basics so if something happened we'd know what to do. It's not a big deal Bokom-Koji I swear I will knock your lights out if you keep moving! This is why its taking so damn long for you to heal."

Not that it even really mattered to the eight year old. Tommy looked up to him and trusted him. That was it. The others...found their feelings about him a bit more complicated. Obviously Koji was always frustrated and annoyed with the brunette. The two of them being complete opposites in practically everything.

Though it would be fair to assume that Koji didn't like him too much for other reasons. JP in general didn't trust people. Not really having friends up until he came to the Digital World. So he was still on the fence on how he feels. But he did appreciate the attention Takuya gave him whenever he did his little magic tricks.

Zoe was the second person to fully trust him, though the glances she shot his way or the slight blush on her cheeks was a good hint as to why. Bokomon meanwhile was suspicious of the teen, his instincts screaming that Takuya knew far more than what he told them. At the very least assumed that he WAS indeed the warrior of flame.

Neemon...well, it was Neemon. Who for the most part was more interested in trying to get Takuya to use his fire powers to entertain them, though he kept asking why his flames were always black. And Koichi? Well the two of them weren't on bad terms. However there was always this slight tension whenever they were together.

More or so Takuya when he found himself unable to look the warrior of darkness in the eye. He had no problems glaring right back at Koji whenever an argument happened, could easily smile and wink at the others. But, his gaze was always avoiding Koichis' and it bothered him. "Have I done something to upset you?"

Which was why he decided to let his twin take the lead alone today as they walk to their next destination. Sticking close to the rear so he could speak one on one with their newest traveling companion. "No. Not at all." He was still not looking him in the eye, even if his tone was nonchalant.

As if they were talking about the weather or what they wanted to eat. "Is there a reason you're keeping me at a distance compared to everyone else then?" Koichi wasn't someone who was usually blunt with his words, that was his brother. But, whatever this problem between the two of them were, he wanted it gone.

Takuya seemed like a good person, he knew exactly what to say to shift the mood to a more positive setting. And he had no issues with hearing people out and giving his opinions on whatever subject. He was honest and sincere. Why shouldn't Koichi want to get to know him?

"Wha-no. No! I mean...I'm not meaning to do it. Oh Shit." Immediately Takuya scratched the back of his head, his face scrunched up in frustration. "Seriously Koichi I'm not trying to be an ass to you." It seemed this was a bit of a reality check to the goggle wearing teen as his mouth twists in thought.

The unease was still in his shoulders, but there was guilt dwelling within his eyes along with his anxiety. "Then may I ask what the problem is? I want to be your friend and get to know you, but I don't know how to do that." If Koichi had at all done something to make him uncomfortable, he would more than happily apologize.

But the look he was given when he finally turns his way shows it's not so simple. "Would you make fun of me if I told you I was scared of the dark? And myself for that matter?" It takes a minute for Koichi to realize what he was implying, and it made him grimace.

"You're scared of our powers..." It was a few moments of silence. Their friends were a bit ahead of them at this point, but still in view to where the pair could easily catch up. Well enough to where they can have their little conversation without interruption.

Though it didn't stop Takuya from keeping his voice low. "Not afraid of our powers per say. But...let's just say i've had some bad experiences in the past. My flames and your abilities when you digivolve-they stir up some of those memories. I promise it's an issue with me, not you."

Now that made sense now that the raven haired boy thought about it. They Did look similar, so much so that no one could really tell the difference when they were in battle. "Is there anything I can do to help?" Now Shagumon REALLY felt bad. He honestly wasn't even aware he was doing it.

With Koichi pointing it out though-there was no denying he WAS avoiding him. With a small huff and a smile, he puts an arm over his shoulders. "Just keep being you man. Like I said-this is a me problem, not a you problem. Don't try to change." Dark blue eyes narrowed as he felt the arm around him tremble.

"If you say so." Though he didn't voice it, the warrior of darkness was determined to try and make things easier, more comfortable for him. "If you need anything from me, let me know ok?" Takuya let him go then, nodding with a more sincere expression. "Come on-we better catch up before the others ditch us."

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Their merry walk across the forest didn't last long when a familiar foe decided to ambush them. "Me wanna play again!" Grumblemon despite being thrown off a cliff wasn't one to stay down for long.

However this time he brought a friend with him. "Meet Golemon~" It was a bad enough when the digging gremlin dived into the fray. "AHH!" But with this creature made of earth and magic hit harder and all of their typical strikes did nothing.

Even with Koji using his beast spirit, it was a struggle as much like the first time he used it he had little to no control. "Lupin Laser!" Despite what Takuya mentioned before Koichi had done his best to keep his attacks physical.

Something the goggle wearing boy took note of as he moved Bokomon and Neemon out of harms way. "Quagmire Twister!" He appreciated the gesture, but not at the cost of them getting their asses kicked. "Zoe look out!" It was a second too late as she tried to maneuver out of his way.

She was sucked into the tornado. Taking a barrage of hits while losing oxygen in the process. In a matter of moments as she was thrown out of the attack, Kazemon fell unconscious. Her form turning black while revealing her digital code.

"No Zoe!" Everyone stared in horror, unable to process what was happening until Gigasmon took her spirit. This was something none of them had ever seen before-and they never wanted to see it happen again. "Noooo!"

Gravity sent her battered, human body plummeting to the ground. "Shit!" Takuya took off into a mad sprint, leaping before barely catching her. The two tumble, but it at least cushioned the blow. "Takuya she ok?" Beetlemon immediately rushed to their side, overlooking the pair with concern.

His blood began to boil. "She's down for the count, but is ok otherwise. We gotta stop them!" It was painful for the pyro to stand by and watch. His instincts were screaming at him to digivolve, to strike down the wretched legendary troll.

However he knew what would happen the moment he did. "Takky?" Already he could feel pain flaring throughout his chest as his hand reaches into his pocket. With furrowed brows he looks up, his eyes going wide. "JP above!" Already the electrified beetle was ready to strike. "Thunderfist!"

With a flick of his hand Takuya throws his flames, nailing Grumblemons face. Giving his friend the much needed advantage. "Ow! You pay human!" Fractal code surrounded the enemy, and Takuya narrowed his eyes. There was no way he could fight and protect Zoe at the same time.

"Shadow lance!" Fortunately he didn't need to. "Howling star!" As the fight went on, this rag tag group of chosen heroes were starting to work together. "Blizzard blaster!" Their desire to get their friend's spirit and stop Gigasmon once and for all more powerful then any squabbles between them.

Yet...despite all that it wasn't enough. "Uh no! Me go bye bye now~" Of course as soon as they made headway towards victory, the bastard of earth ran away. They had survived another day, but at a huge cost. "Dammit..." Now more than ever they were at a disadvantage.

Zoe was down a spirit, and unlike Takuya she wasn't able to manipulate her element as a human. "Takuya! Zoe!" It was a painful wake up call as everyone regrouped. "Now what?!" Unfortunately there were no answers to Koji's question.

to be continued

Author Notes: Yes...despite all of the twists and turns I have decided to get rid of Zoe's spirit. Sorry sweetie. You were one of my nostalgia role models as you kicked ass but honestly I had to do it. We'll see in the future how it will make sense-

Not that some of you can't already predict how it may go considering some of the characters not yet introduced into the story. But that's in the future to come, for now though this is it.

As per usual everyone Thank you all so much for reading, if you like please fee free to fav/follow/review as it would mean so much to me. I'll see you next time. Tchao for now.